Phil Hughes Throws Eight Scoreless, Earns Championship Belt

Phil Hughes threw eight scoreless innings earning an 11-1 victory over the AL West leading Texas Rangers this afternoon. Hughes struck out six batters, allowing three hits and walking only one.

For Yankee fans who like to recall painful memories, Hughes pitched in Arlington two seasons ago and memorably took a no-hitter in to the 7seventh inning before suffering a hamstring injury that would essentially cost him his season. While being interviewed after the game, Phil said, “I must like pitching here.” I’ll say.

Alex Rodriguez led the Yankees offense to a big day as well. The Yanks scored 11 runs on 19 hits. A-Rod went 5 for 5 with 4 RBIs and looked locked in at the plate. After his second hit, John Flaherty commented that this could be the start of A-Rod getting hot.

He was right on the money, as seems to be the usual for the dry but baseball smart Flaherty. However, A-Rod’s big day was not enough to earn him the championship belt. Johnny Damon commented that going 5/5 is, “an accomplishment…but not enough to get the belt,” which went to Hughes. D

on’t worry, Alex. Hughes can’t pitch again for five games, an A-Bomb or two between now and then oughta bring it home.